World Blood Donor Day to Honor Hoosier Heroes

Indiana Blood Center is dedicating World Blood Donor Day to police, fire and first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Blood donations are being requested to help honor the sacrifices of first responders.

In addition, a mobile blood drive on Monument Circle in Indianapolis will be held 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Local public safety officers, Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders and Blue will greet blood donors and Papa John’s Pizza will be served.

World Blood Donor Day is held annually on June 14 in countries around the globe to raise awareness of the need for blood donations. This year, Indiana Blood Center will be celebrating on Friday, June 15. In Indiana, the day is being dedicated to local police and fire personnel who’ve been injured or killed while in the line of duty, including Sergeant Daniel Starnes of Morgan County who was shot five times on June 14, 2001, and later died of his injuries. His wife, Janice Starnes, founded the Indiana Fallen Officer Drive. These blood drives are dedicated to public safety officials who’ve lost their lives.

Blood donations are a life-saving gift given by volunteer donors, who help all kinds of patients going through planned treatments and unexpected interventions. The need for donations is greatest during the summer when schools are out and people travel, which is why Indiana Blood Center is urging the public to donate blood on June 15 and throughout the next few months.